three encounters

As in traditions it is when you encounter for the third time by chance that their is something to be noted, extra liberty is allowed for extending energy to understand why you have met. A few days ago I encountered for the third time in lobby of my hotel in Amman (capitol of Jordan) someone whom I met with two other times in the small town of Gor Al Safi some hours away. Therefor I accepted the cafe invitation for the evening. Ignoring the language barrier we would inevitably encounter without the usual people around who do translating.

We met and in the first minutes in the car I realized asking if we were going close or far was not so simple and the referencing of space and using hand gesture began for an evening of actually much discussion. We passed the club I had danced in with some volunteers after being taken there by a gentlman from the national basketball team, as you need to be on a list to get in anywhere here it seems, after singing in streets and generally amusing the people we passed. In a land where women are covered from head to toe we found where the wealthy play and with not nearly so much cloths on. We were the ones looking conservative. And not to worry we did Americans proud on that dance floor as usual.

I digress, back to my cafe evening now. arrival scurry up rounded stairs from the alley from the main street we left behind and a very full large room. Many eyes on me as I walk alone, my companion grabbing something down stairs, and I realize as I am sat by a waiter with another three trailing behind me just to walk with us,,, its seem almost all men in the place. Laughing, having a grand time, the live guitar playing wonderful music and the different smelling tobaccos from the Hucka or hubbly bubbly as its called, rising in the air and the spices of the cafe...and I ask to move to the patio. I didnt mention I realized I was feeling quite sick again. This much I could express and he knew about my illness in Gor Al Safi, as did all the governing community people it seemed. I had been very ill and thought it was going to be something like my Romanian adventure where I ended up in the hospital for days but luckley I recovered and while out for cafe realized I hadn't.

I did not let that get me in my way, although no yummy Turkish cafe for me and the dancing that was to follow was canceled we enjoyed the smoke, i only a very tiny bit and continued about talking sometime with a friend translating on the phone and sometimes alright on our own. More ladies showed up at tables. But it was still a lively room of smoke and smiles and men with dark hair and speaking Arabic while doing some clapping to the music.

It was on the top of the building and enjoyable to look at the lights. then we walked a bit since we were in the center of the city but short I was on the path for home due to the re occurring nausea. One last stop. this is where my recommendation comes in. We went to an exclusive hotel called Le Royal. through the security guard frisk and the marble entrance way. up the elevator,,oh not helping the tummy. out to a door that cant be opened but i can see through the glass the city glowing, so beautiful!!! and then we start looking around corners for another door and through a restaurant we find and to that patio on the other side of the door. It is magnificent. The shimmering of the lights against the true dark of the sky outskirts. If you are in Amman go to the top of Le Royal, have a drink or just go and gaze at night. SoOO beautiful. and im not even one who enjoys city views but this one took my breath and left me full and smiling.

and the pic is of me in Gor Al Safi at the end of the dead sea. Thats what all the white is. salt. soon to cover me since i was in it making photos...this is due to getting the comment of no photos of me ever. I'll try.